"No one told me to do it," Hall explained. "The new owner...

February 03, 2011

"No one told me to do it," Hall explained. "The new owner and I were just laughing about what I did in 1978 a few days ago, which put the idea in my head, and I guess I'm just crazy enough to do it. I knew if I waited to clear the snow I'd be wasting more than half the day when I should be getting to my repair work. I'm already going to be behind."

Though U.P. Mall typically opens and then closes early if weather conditions deteriorate, officials decided not to open at all on Wednesday because the state of emergency that was declared by area cities and counties.

Not opening was "the responsible thing to do," said Irene McKiernan, marketing manager for University Park Mall.

The emergency declarations as well as employee and customer safety were key factors in Old National's decision to close, said Alex Strati, president of the company's northern region market.

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"We would be putting our associates at risk by opening," Strati said. "We have a dedicated group of hearty souls up here. They would have tried to make it in and we did not want to endanger anyone."

The same considerations were used by other retailers, restaurants and factories.

But others -- especially convenience stores, pharmacies and grocers, thought it was important to open.

Despite the poor conditions, Martin's Super Markets stores opened on time Wednesday. Most Martin's employees made it to work.

"Some (customers) have special or emergency needs," explained Cindy Kaplan, media marketing manager at the South Bend-based grocery company, "some were unable to shop before the storm hit and others, due to their jobs or commitments, must continue a regular schedule."

The Bremen Highway Meijer store in Mishawaka never closed.

"Our business died off immediately after 7 p.m. because of the snow, wind and darkness," said Rick Zeeff, store director. "Wednesday morning the few customers we had were looking for basics like milk, bread, pop and warm clothing. We've had a steady but slow flow of customers."

Franchisees like Sparks rarely close their restaurants for so long because of the fixed costs that he said are not covered without customer sales.

"There are a lot of costs that go along with not being open," said Sparks, who is the only company executive authorized to close a Mishawaka-based Kada Partnership store. He compares his duty in assessing the weather like a school superintendent.

"I get up early to watch the weather forecasts," he said, "because of all the costs that go along with not being open. These costs keep going whether you're open or closed. But when you're able to keep everybody safe, it's a good day."